Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Certification
Timeline
Generic

Holly Merritts

15757,PA

Summary

Proven expertise in delivering compassionate care and effective symptom control, honed across roles at Geisinger Medical Center and others. Excelling in clinical assessment and emotional support, I significantly enhance patient comfort and outcomes. My adept use of medication and IV administration, coupled with strong interpersonal communication, fosters trust and ensures high-quality palliative care.

Overview

20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Weekend On Call Hospice Nurse

365 Hospice
09.2020 - 02.2022
  • Managed pain effectively by closely monitoring symptoms and adjusting medications accordingly.
  • Improved patient comfort by providing compassionate end-of-life care and symptom management.
  • Coordinated with physicians to adjust medications as needed for optimal palliative care outcomes.
  • Offered listening ear to both patients and loved ones to meet emotional and mental, as well as physical needs.
  • Promoted a peaceful and supportive environment for patients and their families during the end-of-life transition.
  • Advocated for patients wishes regarding medical treatment options, respecting cultural beliefs and values throughout the decision-making process.
  • Recognized and understood specific stages of dying process, providing comfort-based care during vulnerable times.
  • Established and maintained successful relationships with patients, families and physicians by utilizing exemplary communication and active listening skills.
  • Enhanced family understanding of the hospice process through clear communication and education.
  • Assisted in training new hospice nurses, sharing expertise in end-of-life care best practices.
  • Implemented creative non-pharmacological interventions for symptom management, enhancing patient comfort and overall quality of life.
  • Increased patient satisfaction by addressing emotional, spiritual, and physical needs holistically.
  • Provided high level of quality, compassionate care to patients and caregivers during each nursing shift.
  • Taught family members and caregivers various ways to manage patients' pain, how to check for vital signs and proper methods for dressing changes.
  • Conducted comprehensive assessments of patients conditions to determine appropriate care plan interventions.
  • Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.

Weekend On Call Hospice Nurse

VNA Hospice
02.2020 - 09.2020
  • Managed pain effectively by closely monitoring symptoms and adjusting medications accordingly.
  • Improved patient comfort by providing compassionate end-of-life care and symptom management.
  • Coordinated with physicians to adjust medications as needed for optimal palliative care outcomes.
  • Offered listening ear to both patients and loved ones to meet emotional and mental, as well as physical needs.
  • Promoted a peaceful and supportive environment for patients and their families during the end-of-life transition.
  • Advocated for patients wishes regarding medical treatment options, respecting cultural beliefs and values throughout the decision-making process.
  • Recognized and understood specific stages of dying process, providing comfort-based care during vulnerable times.
  • Established and maintained successful relationships with patients, families and physicians by utilizing exemplary communication and active listening skills.
  • Enhanced family understanding of the hospice process through clear communication and education.
  • Implemented creative non-pharmacological interventions for symptom management, enhancing patient comfort and overall quality of life.
  • Taught family members and caregivers various ways to manage patients' pain, how to check for vital signs and proper methods for dressing changes.
  • Proactively addressed potential crises by anticipating needs and communicating concerns with interdisciplinary team members.
  • Conducted comprehensive assessments of patients conditions to determine appropriate care plan interventions.
  • Served as a key liaison between patients, families, physicians, and other healthcare providers to ensure seamless coordination of services.
  • Explained course of care and medication side effects to patients and caregivers in easy-to-understand terms.
  • Communicated with healthcare team members to plan, implement and enhance treatment strategies.
  • Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.

Registered Nurse, ICU

Punxsutawney Area Hospital
01.2005 - 02.2020
  • Implemented infection control measures consistently, minimizing risk of cross-contamination among vulnerable ICU patients.
  • Advocated for patient needs, working closely with healthcare providers to ensure individualized care plans were developed and executed accordingly.
  • Utilized strong clinical judgment skills in prioritizing tasks based on acuity levels of ICU patients under my care daily routine.
  • Collaborated with physicians to quickly assess patients and deliver appropriate treatment while managing rapidly changing conditions.
  • Provided compassionate end-of-life care for terminally ill patients and their families, ensuring dignity and comfort during difficult moments.
  • Conducted thorough assessments of patients upon admission to the ICU, identifying urgent needs and initiating appropriate interventions.
  • Operated advanced life support equipment proficiently during emergencies, stabilizing critically ill patients swiftly when necessary.
  • Proactively addressed potential issues through regular rounds with physicians which led to early identification of deteriorating conditions.
  • Developed strong rapport with patients and their families, providing emotional support while addressing medical concerns.
  • Managed accurate documentation of patients conditions, treatments, and progress to maintain clear records for effective decision making.
  • Reduced patient complications through diligent monitoring and swift interventions during critical situations.
  • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams for comprehensive patient care plans, resulting in improved recovery outcomes.
  • Administered medications via oral, IV, and intramuscular injections and monitored responses.
  • Monitored patients' respiratory status and ventilator operation and made adjustments to promote stabilization.
  • Delivered age-appropriate medical care for adult, adolescent, and geriatric ICU patients.
  • Streamlined communication between healthcare providers and patients families, fostering trust and easing concerns during difficult times.
  • Administered medications accurately according to prescribed treatment plans, avoiding medication errors that could impact patient health adversely.
  • Demonstrated expertise in pain management, ensuring timely and effective relief for ICU patients with acute and chronic discomfort.

Pediatric Registered Nurse

Geisinger Medical Center
07.2002 - 12.2004
  • Educated children about their medical conditions in age-appropriate language, empowering them to take an active role in managing their health.
  • Administered medications accurately, ensuring optimal treatment efficacy and patient safety.
  • Demonstrated excellent time management skills by prioritizing tasks and efficiently delegating responsibilities, ensuring all patients received timely care.
  • Developed strong rapport with patients and families, fostering trust and confidence in the nursing team''s abilities.
  • Delivered high-quality patient care consistently, adhering to unit protocols and hospital policies while maintaining a professional demeanor under pressure.
  • Enhanced patient satisfaction through compassionate and empathetic communication with children and families.
  • Monitored vital signs closely during procedures or treatments, intervening swiftly when necessary to maintain patient stability.
  • Maintained accurate documentation of patient progress, enabling informed decision-making among healthcare providers.
  • Conducted thorough physical assessments to identify potential health concerns before they escalated into more serious conditions.
  • Quickly responded to situations impacting safety and security to unit, actualizing crisis prevention interventions to control and de-escalate situations.
  • Educated family members and caregivers on patient care instructions.
  • Provided skilled, timely and level-headed emergency response to critically-ill patients.
  • Documented treatments delivered, medications and IVs administered, discharge instructions, and follow-up care.
  • Monitored patient reactions after administering medications and IV therapies.
  • Improved patient outcomes by implementing evidence-based care plans for pediatric oncology patients.
  • Developed and implemented individualized pain management plans for pediatric oncology patients, maximizing patient comfort during difficult treatments.
  • Administered chemotherapy medications with precision while closely monitoring possible adverse reactions.
  • Provided emotional support for families during challenging times and connected them to appropriate resources as needed.
  • Maintained a safe environment for immunocompromised patients, adhering to strict infection control protocols.
  • Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to develop comprehensive treatment plans for pediatric oncology patients.
  • Reduced medication errors by diligently verifying patient information, dosage calculations, and administration methods.
  • Developed strong rapport with pediatric patients through age-appropriate interactions that foster trust and cooperation during treatments.
  • Managed complex cases involving multiple comorbidities by collaborating effectively with interdisciplinary healthcare team members.
  • Assessed patients during course of treatment to identify concerning reactions.

Education

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

Penn State University
State College, PA
05.2002

Skills

  • Compassionate Care
  • Symptom control
  • Clinical assessment
  • Emotional Support
  • End of life care
  • Medication Administration
  • Interpersonal and written communication
  • Patient Evaluation
  • Pain Control
  • Hospice Care
  • Medication and IV administration
  • Compassionate and Caring

Certification

Holistic Weight Loss Coach

Group Fitness Instructor

Personal Trainer

Timeline

Weekend On Call Hospice Nurse

365 Hospice
09.2020 - 02.2022

Weekend On Call Hospice Nurse

VNA Hospice
02.2020 - 09.2020

Registered Nurse, ICU

Punxsutawney Area Hospital
01.2005 - 02.2020

Pediatric Registered Nurse

Geisinger Medical Center
07.2002 - 12.2004

Bachelor of Science - Nursing

Penn State University

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Holly Merritts